WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Coptic Solidarity honors Representative Frank Wolf (R-10th) for his tireless dedication to human rights promotion and all he has done to support and encourage the Coptic community.
Representative Wolf announced on December 17th, that he will not seek reelection. He has served the people of Virginia for 34 years as a member of Congress.
As a committed Christian, Representative Wolf supported human rights for people of all nationalities and faiths. His advocacy on behalf of those who are suffering has been a beacon of encouragement to numerous prisoners, activists, community groups and others who often wondered if anyone cared about them or their situation.
Although often a thankless pursuit, he continued to support democracy and human rights activists, and to support communities under oppression and persecution, in many parts of the world.
Congressman Wolf has been an outspoken advocate for the people of Egypt over many years, and he has stood firm in support of the Coptic community. Mr. Wolf was not discouraged when the Mubarak regime and the media it controlled lambasted him numerous times – for speaking out in support of basic human rights. Nor was he, when the Morsi regime also ignored his calls to respect the basic rights of all Egyptians, particularly the Copts.
In response to greater religious persecution after the Arab Spring, Wolf introduced a bill that provides for the appointment of a Special Envoy within the State Department whose responsibility would be to work on behalf of minorities in the Middle East and south central Asia. This bill, HR 301, passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support in a vote of 402 to 22 on September 18th. Coptic Solidarity is pleased that the Senate companion bill, S. 653, was just approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and urges Senator Reid to schedule it for a vote as soon as possible.
The Coptic community is deeply grateful for Representative Wolf’s tireless advocacy and honors the legacy he leaves in support of the dignity of every individual worldwide. Coptic Solidarity wishes Representative Wolf a long and blessed life, trusting that his dedication to human rights will continue.
Coptic Solidarity is non-profit organization dedicated to leading efforts to achieve equal citizenship for the Copts in Egypt. For more information, contact Hal Meawad 240-644-5153 or [email protected]“>[email protected]
SOURCE Coptic Solidarity